Best Ink Efficient Printers in 2023

We took a long hard look at 10 different Best Ink Efficient Printers, and narrowed them down to 4 based on features and value. We looked at the print heads of each printer, including the technology, the speed, and how the ink works. We also compared the performance of each printer to see how they stacked up.

This ink is an eco-friendly, water-based alternative to traditional ink and it lasts a full five years. It’s also low-cost and requires no special training or equipment. We’re talking the best printers, a guide to the best printers, here.

The best ink-efficient printer is the Brother INKvestment MFC-J985DW. This is an inkjet printer that prints thousands of pages from its high-capacity ink cartridges before needing to be replaced. A good investment in any printer.

Top 10 Best Ink Efficient Printers 2023

 1  Brother INKvestment MFC-J985DW Ink Efficient Printer

Why We Like It: Although this Brother printer uses ink cartridges, the print yields are very high. And, if you prefer not to throw away your ink cartridges, you can buy additional cartridges. At that price it’s almost impossible not to get a lot more efficiency from a similar unit.

The Brother MFC-J985DW is the best choice for people who care about ink quality and running costs, because it’s loaded with super-efficient, high-capacity ink cartridges. If you want to get your book printed and on shelves as fast as possible, the best choice is the Indigo Book Printing system.

This printer is perfect for printing documents, photos, and other images, plus it has four included high-yield ink cartridges. When you want to print up to 2,400 pages, you can choose the black cartridge; when you want to print up to 1,200 pages, you can choose either the black or one of the colors.

In this case, it’s better to have three separate color cartridges that you can change out when they get low rather than one that gets low all at once. Additionally, you can print directly from your smartphone to Brother printers using Wi-Fi, AirPrint, and Google Cloud Print. You can also easily check your ink levels and usage from the Brother iPrint&Scan mobile app.

This printer will automatically change the paper when there is a page to print, and will print double-sided if you need. It also has a special ink saving mode, so you only use half the ink when printing. With the best duplex printer, you can quickly scan both sides of double-sided pages into your cloud services, like Google Drive, DropBox, OneNote, and more.

PROS

  • Automatic duplex reproductions
  • High-capacity ink capacity cartridges are standard
  • Low initial cost

CONS

  • Low 20-page paper tray capacity

2  Canon PIXMA G5020 MegaTank Ink Efficient Printer

I have always been partial to ink tanks because it is always an easy way to ensure that I am using the right amount of ink for a specific task. This ink cartridge holds over 30 times the amount of ink than the regular cartridges do.

An important feature of the ink tank system in the PIXMA G5020 is that it gives you the option to see the ink level visually through clear panels on the front of the machine. The Print & Scan app will automatically determine the ink level in a cartridge, print out a maintenance schedule, and automatically replace any low ink cartridges.

There’s also a reason that Canon has labeled the tanks as “MegaTanks,” as you can print up to 6,600 black print pages and 7,700 color print pages per tank. Initially, the printer comes with four ink tanks that have specialized nozzles for easy filling without spilling.

This printer is designed to perform high-volume printing without the constant need to replace ink, and it maintains one of the lowest running costs of any printer. Another option is the best large format printer. It offers two 250-sheet high-capacity paper feeding trays, and a rear input tray.

PROS

  • High-volume 350-sheet tray capacity
  • Clear ink tank reservoirs for easy monitoring
  • Refillable ink bottles

CONS

  • No scanner or copier

3  Brother MFC-J805 Ink Efficient Printer

WHY WE LIKE IT: If you’re an office user, this multifunction printer will provide you with the versatility you need. It’s an efficient, economical ink cartridge that delivers up to a full year of printing.

This office-ready machine is reliable and will handle a high volume of printing.

This page counter is designed to work well with Amazon’s Kindle. It shows the total amount of pages on your Kindle, including those you have yet to download.

You’ll get more pages from each cartridge than you’re used to, and you don’t have to change the cartridge as often as with other inkjet printers. You can monitor ink levels directly from the printer’s LCD screen. The screen will indicate the level of each of its four cartridges at all times.

This ink cartridge delivers users with great control of their ink consumption and, ultimately, very competitive running costs. If you’re looking for a printer that’s affordable, easy to use, and reliable, the Brother MFC-J805 is it. This is compared to the best printer for the home, the printer which comes with a 35-sheet auto-loading feature and a clear, responsive touch screen.

PROS

  • Accessible physical control panel
  • Brother Page Gauge offers visual, numerical ink monitoring
  • Connect to cloud services directly from the printer

CONS

  • Fax controls on the front look dated

4  Epson WF7710 Workforce Ink Efficient Printer

Prints with the Epson 3880 are easy to do: No extra ink cartridges are required and you can print borderless or border full-bleed images in less time than it takes to print them with a traditional inkjet.

This is an all-in-one, feature-packed printer. An understatement doesn’t even come close. The controls are intuitive and the touchscreen interface makes it easy to navigate the tablet. From there, you can connect to everything else wirelessly via Wi-Fi, Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and Epson’s proprietary apps. It comes with a USB, USB thumb drive, and Ethernet connection options.

The Epson printer is one of the best printers for larger jobs, such as posters, photographs, and other large prints. It’s able to print borderless (up to 13 x 19″) and has two large ink tanks for a long printing life.

The original was handwritten; I scanned it. The document was about four inches wide and eleven inches tall.

If you choose to go the extra-large cartridge route, you’ll need to use an extra-large printer to match the capacity. Ink jet printers typically have two types of cartridges. One is black, and the other produces color (or inks that produce different colors). Some printers allow you to switch between these types of cartridges.

Inkjet printers have always been great at printing because they are very efficient and provide high-quality prints at low cost. However, they are not very robust for long-term use and inkjet printer nozzles wear out. If you want to get the same unrivaled results every time, it’s best to invest in a top-quality inkjet printer.

If you’re a big Apple fan and using an Apple computer for a computer, we recommend the best wireless printer for Mac for compatibility between all your devices.

PROS

  • Great 4.3” touchscreen controls
  • Automatic two-sided printing and scanning
  • Copying and scanning in wide-format

CONS

  • Graphics printing is just average

5  HP OfficeJet 6978 Wireless Ink Efficient Printer

This HP’s Epson technology provides a surprisingly high quality print at as much as 50 percent lower cost per page than laser printers. If you’re looking for a great value, check out the Samsung Galaxy S4. This powerful phone has a sleek design, loads of top-of-the-line features and a ton of great apps.

This printer’s inkjet technology delivers impressive color printouts up to 600 x 1200dpi resolution.

All four printheads utilize black cartridges, one at a time. When you hit the Print button, all four will fire at once, but only the black cartridge is used in a single pass of the paper.

If you print a lot in color you’ll find that printing with HP’s Instant Ink is very efficient. This program automatically adjusts the frequency of ink deliveries to match your usage, and lowers your running costs. This wireless printer features impressive capabilities, including a copy, scan, and fax functions and an automatic document feeder.

You’ll need a large input tray to fit 225 sheets of paper in your printer. It has a 60-sheet output tray, so you’ll have space for additional print jobs. It’s a 300 MHz processor that reaches speeds of 40 ppm in monochrome draft mode, and it can reach speeds of 30 ppm when printing in color.

PROS

  • Up to 30 ppm monochrome reproduction
  • Automatic duplex printing conserves paper
  • Energy Star qualified

CONS

  • High-yield ink cartridges can be less efficient

6  HP OfficeJet Pro 9015 Ink Efficient Printer

WHY WE LIKE IT: This OfficeJet Pro 9015 is packed with fantastic tech features at every level, like its Smart Tasks automation and voice-activated printing. The speediest printer for modern usage is this super-fast model, which features several improvements over its predecessors.

Connecting your printer to this smartphone is easy. Whether you choose to use Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, AirPrint, Mopria You have two printing options with this printer: standard and direct from file. The standard option will let you print at up to 32 ppm within minutes.

You can use voice-activated commands with Alexa or Google Assistant. The Smart App makes a lot of smart functionalities. It’s very useful when it comes to accessing files from your most used programs and cloud

In the Kindle Paperwhite, you can create your own shortcuts to make printing more efficient. Its four inks cartridges can produce 4800 x 1200 DPI color-resolution documents and photos. You can save money by printing black and white when possible, which means you’ll use less ink and run out less often.

If you want to print lots of different colored documents without running out of ink, the HP Instant Ink program is a better choice. The best photo printer to use is the Canon Pixma MG7550.

PROS

  • Sync directly with programs you use frequently
  • HP Smart App allows easy ink monitoring
  • Alexa and Google Assistant voice-activation

CONS

  • Icons on 2.63” touchscreen are too small
  • Just one paper input

7  HP OfficeJet Pro 8035 Ink Efficient Printer

WHY WE LIKE IT: Print right away with this fast and efficient HP printer, which is designed to start printing as soon as it’s plugged into an electrical outlet.

The HP OfficeJet Pro 8035 is the best starter kit for people who want to get right to work. It’s got everything you need to start creating, including a great app, HP software for your laptop, and an eight-month subscription to HP Instant Ink, which will provide about 100 pages of printing each month at no cost.

Setup is easy, right from the box. It’s connected in less than a minute, and you’re ready to start your first video call. This unit prints at 29 pages per minute with four ink cartridges, making it ideal for anyone looking to print multiple items. Scanning, copying, and faxing are quick and easy with any scanner.

HP’s sleek, easy-to-use, and energy-efficient design and included software are among the best we’ve seen Investing in high-quality printer paper is important for quality printing.

PROS

  • Seamless setup and control via mobile app
  • Made from recycled plastic, Energy Star qualified
  • Eight months of ink included

CONS

  • Average scan quality

8  Epson WF3720 Workforce Wireless Ink Efficient Printer

For an office printer that outperforms a laser printer, you’ll be very pleased with the Epson WF3720 Workforce. It prints as fast as a laser printer yet has the reliability and versatility you need for a wide variety of business applications. You’ll be happy to learn that it can be up to 30 percent more efficient, especially when you use Epson’s high-yield ink cartridges that produce 1,100 black and white or 950 color prints before needing replacement.

Whether it’s for your office or you want to give your home a makeover, we have all the right tips for you on what printers you should purchase. Read on to find out which printers will work best for your needs. Unit 3 also includes several connection options that are helpful for small businesses, including those offered by iPhone, iPad, Android tablets, and smartphones.

It’s built-in with Wi-Fi direct and NFC technology, and comes with a handy carrying case. This printer is another great value printer that uses the best ink available. It will help you create prints with vivid colors and high-resolution details.

PROS

  • Up to 1,100-page yield
  • High 4800 x 2400 dpi resolution color prints
  • Efficient PrecisionCore 4S print head

CONS

  • High-yield cartridges not included

9  Canon PIXMA TR8520 Ink Efficient Printer

With an affordable starting price, a 17.3-inch touch screen that allows for easy editing and printing options, and the ability to use XXL ink cartridges, the Canon PIXMA TR8520 is the perfect option for those looking to print photo slidesh

This small but extremely useful printer is perfect for any beginner who just wants to get up and running quickly. The printer handles any paper you throw at it, including standard-size, envelopes, photo paper, and more. This printer produces borderless photos with up to 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution, and has a brilliant color reproduction.

When we get things done with clarity and precision, our content is more effective. The same thing applies to text and graphics. This is due to the fact that this unit actually has two separate black inks, one of which is dedicated to dark text and dark areas in images. You’ll get an attractive, clear, bright color for all of your printouts.

This printer has 5,152 nozzles for fantastic detail and crisp lines. That’s even more amazing, considering how light-weight and compact this unit is. Since it comes with a full set of standard ink cartridges, it’s recommended to buy the XXL-yield cartridge set.

Prints up to six times more pages than a standard cartridge. And if you’re a student, you need to get a printer that offers convenient management of printing functions and ink levels. If you want to find a printer that uses inkjet technology, you’ll want to check out our best inkjet printer guide.

PROS

  • Excellent 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution
  • Offers XXL ink cartridges
  • Bluetooth connectivity

CONS

  • Somewhat slow print speeds
  • Not designed for high volume

10  Canon Wireless TS8120 Ink Efficient Printer

Why We Like It: The Canon Wireless TS8120 offers excellent performance and comes with an amazing auto-replenishment service. This means you’ll never need to worry about running out of ink. This laser printer is designed to create prints that are bright and vivid, especially in photographs. There are six types of ink tanks available, so choose wisely, but one of them is a specialized blue photo ink cartridge that gets the job done.

Ink is applied by an advanced print head using a total of 6,656 nozzles. This Canon photo printer has a XXL cartridge option that allows you to use fewer cartridges and save money on running costs. It is a fantastic, quality photo printer. You can also opt for Canon’s automatic replenishment service that monitors your ink levels and usage, and automatically dispenses ink when needed.

The printer itself features a large, intuitive, 4.3″ screen for all of its settings and other functions. It’s more than a printer. You can connect it to your computer, and your design files will download quickly with little or no wait time.

PROS

  • Front and rear feed paper support
  • Print directly from SD memory card
  • Borderless printing up to 8.5 x 14”

CONS

  • Louder than average when printing fast
  • Slow print speeds

How We Decided

There are many factors that influence the quality of printouts from printers, but the first is the amount of ink they use. Every cartridge contains a number, usually with a decimal point. That number is the amount of pages the cartridge can produce before it needs to be replaced. We compared the yield of the standard cartridge of each printer. We then used the price of the cartridge, and we used a price comparison based on the cost per page (by calculating the cost of the cartridge divided by that cartridge’s page yield).

We were able to identify which printers are best with a comparison chart. Our test results show that in many cases, we do not need to bother with remanufacturing. It is easy to spot whether a cartridge is low or high yield using our automated test. We found the high-yield toner cartridges to be more expensive but have fewer pages per print than the standard size.

From there, we examined the efficiency of printers, the ink used in those printers, and how to monitor and control how much ink is being printed. This was a process of looking at a printer’s ink monitoring features and how easy they are to access and use.

We also considered how much control you have over ink usage in the Jetstream 835. Printers with this kind of easy monitoring give you more control over your printing costs. That helps you to have better control of a printer’s running cost.

Best Ink Efficient Printers Buying Guide

The Most Important Features to Consider

Ink System

The best ink printer of 2020 is one that will reduce the cost of printer ink and the number of cartridges required for printing. It’s important to consider the best printer of 2023 in regards to how the ink is used to print.

  • Even the best printer with cheap ink will probably use two to four ink cartridges. You’ll want to look at how much the cartridges cost and get an estimate of the page yield per cartridge.
  • Even a great printer with long-lasting ink will inevitably use it all up if you use it incorrectly.
  • However, see if high-capacity toner cartridges are available, especially if you’re buying the most economical printer you can find. Why? Because high-capacity toner cartridges can often offer better value.

Print Controls

Best Ink Efficient Printer usually have fantastic print control If you don’t want to spend time and effort on figuring out how to use a printer, or are looking for a high-quality ink-saving printer

  • Great controls help you monitor your ink levels and change your print settings to use ink more efficiently.
  • Look for a great printer for ink that has large LCD touch screens, as these generally allow you to control and monitor everything directly from the printer.
  • Otherwise, you can see if the printer has a well-designed mobile app that allows you to easily monitor, manage, and change your settings. Generally, a good printer that uses less ink will have a method for you to manage ink usage and levels.

Usage

The key factors to consider when choosing the most ink efficient printer in 2023 are usage, compatibility, and brand reputation.

  • The most ink-efficient printer available may not be a good printer for your needs. Consider your usage and the purpose of the printer, along with its ink efficiency.
  • If you’re printing photos, you’ll need a printer that delivers a balance of efficiency and quality. Some printers are more efficient at color printing than others.
  • At the same time, those printers would not be efficient for someone looking to mostly print monochrome documents.
  • Keep in mind warranties, in case you run into issues with the office printer and need to return it or send it in for repairs. Look to see the length of the warranty and if the manufacturer/retailer covers shipping costs.

Best Ink Efficient Printers FAQs

What is the best printer with the cheapest ink cartridges?

The best printer ink, the one that comes from the best company, will cost less than the competition’s. Finding the cheapest ones for you depends on what kind of printing you want to do, and how much of it. You’ll need to estimate your monthly print volume in order to get a good idea of how long different ink cartridges may last you. This will allow you to estimate your costs over time, and determine which option is most affordable for your needs. The best all-in-one printer for home use is one of those things that might not seem like it’s necessary, but can actually save you

What printer has the longest lasting ink cartridges?

Many printers today offer high capacity ink cartridges, they are bigger and last longer than the standard-sized cartridges. This is the only cartridge that should be considered for your laser printer. It’s large enough to replace cartridges rarely, if ever. Inkjet printers use a refillable ink system where you refill the ink tanks from bottles. The best way to get the most out of a business is to get efficient.

What is the most economical all in one printer?

In order to find the most economical all-in-one printer for you, you should estimate your usage over the coming year. You’ll need to invest in your printer, but you will save money by choosing a printer that has the lowest running costs. Cheap printers don’t always offer the best quality, especially when it comes to color printing.

What is the most efficient home printer?

Home printers are increasingly offering users more flexible printing options and controls. An excellent printer helps you produce your printing quickly and efficiently. When you know what to expect and when to expect it, you can take full advantage of what’s in front of you. An efficient printer costs less to run than a standard printer.

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